Frustrating Day...

Another frustrating day today - waiting for tests and it just seems like we keep leaving without answers that make us feel any better. We ask questions, we nod, and things kinda make sense, but it still feels like nothing. Nothing to encourage us or for a doctor just to look at us and tell us it's all gonna be okay. I guess they just can't do that --- get your hopes up or make any promises to us...but it sure would be a nice thing to hear.

There seems to be some sort of infection still in his body --- but they just don't know where it is. His temperature goes down with these horrible cold things they make him lay on...but really it's only covering up the fact that something is wrong. A fever is the body's way of announcing that somethings wrong... so it is upsetting us that this is all that is being done, and even then it doesn't seem like its working all that effectively. His temperature got back up to over a hundred today, but at points was almost normal. They have a fan blowing on him and he's just shivering. I hate to see him like this.

This, in combination with his yellow, jaundiced complexion is not something you want to see. He just looks sick, so of course it discourages our spirits as we try to be positive. Today, they are doing an ultrasound on his abdomen to see if something is wrong with his gall bladder or liver. They are reculturing just about everything they possibly can to search for the infection...

His pulse and blood pressure seem to be at acceptable levels.

They are watching his ICP levels very closely. They were up higher yesterday, so today is better from that, but are still higher than normal. They clamped down the tube draining the fluid from his brain, and instead of it continuously draining, they only drain it when it gets too high. This is letting them see if his body will be able to work this out without the drainage tube and be self sufficient. They are anxious to remove this tube because of the high risk of infection as the days increase that it is there.

He is so heavily sedated he has barely responded to anything or anyone today. Very little movement or response definitely is disheartening a little. They are telling us it is for the best to try to steady out the ICP levels and keep his blood pressure down...

When I got back from the airport last night, I couldn't wait to get back to see Dad. I couldn't stop thinking about him while I was gone and really missed him. When I walked in the room, I saw all the pictures, and read all the posters and wonderfully thoughtful notes and cards... and I pretty much broke down.

This man that I have for a father is just amazing. He has so many people that think the world of him, and I am lucky enough to have him for a Dad. I truly couldn't ask for more, except for the fact is that I want him to get better. I love that man so much, and it is really hard to see him like this. I have to have faith and strength to get through this, and I know that our family and friends can. We have to lean on each other and lift each other up. Keep positive, and don't stop praying. Please don't stop praying. Right now, I just pray that he is staying strong and not getting tired of fighting this. That he's not giving up, that he knows we're all here cheering for him. Man my dad is awesome. I can't wait to remind him of that when he wakes up. Patience is a virtue, and its a virtue that he and I definitely lack. Pray for all of us to have a little bit more of it while he is healing and the doctors do the very best they can at their jobs.

I love you all. The cards, the phone calls, the visits, ... you are all amazing. We love you and cannot begin to explain how much it all means.

We will write more as soon as we get a chance when we hear any more news.

All my love,

Meg and Mom